HOW DO I KNOW IF SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING DEPRESSION?

If you notice changes in the person’s mood, behaviour, energy levels, habits or personality, you should consider depression as a possible reason for these changes. However, you should not attempt to diagnose the person with depression, as only a trained professional can do this. Do not ignore the symptoms you have noticed or assume that they will just go away.

It is important to learn about depression so that you are able to recognise these symptoms and help someone who may be developing depression. Take the time to find out information about depression, such as its causes, symptoms and treatments, and what services are available in your local area. You can do this by reading reputable information on websites or in books, reading about or listening to other people’s experiences of depression, and seeking advice from people who have experienced and recovered from depression.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION THAT YOU MAY NOTICE.

Although the experience of depression can vary in severity (e.g. from feeling irritable to feeling suicidal), the following are some common signs that you may notice. You should be concerned if these signs persist over time, and effect the person’s functioning.

• A depressed mood
• Loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
• Lack of energy and tiredness
• Feeling worthless or feeling guilty when they are not really at fault
• Thinking about death a lot or of suicide
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Moving more slowly or sometimes becoming agitated and unable to settle
• Having sleeping difficulties or sometimes sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in food or sometimes eating too much. Changes in eating habits may lead to either loss of weight or putting on weight.

Each individual is different and not everyone who is experiencing depression will show the typical signs or symptoms of depression. Many people who experience depression may also be affected by other mental health problems like anxiety or substance use problems. However, do not assume that any signs or symptoms you have noticed means that the person is experiencing depression.

HOW SHOULD I APPROACH SOMEONE WHO MAY BE EXPERIENCING DEPRESSION?

Contrary to myth, talking about depression makes things better, not worse. If you think that someone you know may be depressed and needs help, first consider whether you are the best person to approach them or whether somebody else might be more appropriate. Ask the person if they are willing to talk to you, or if they would rather speak to someone else.

If you are the best person or there is no one else, give the person opportunities to talk. Try to spend time with the person and gently bring up your concerns with them, e.g. mention that the person seems down today. It can be helpful to let the person choose the moment to open up. However, if the person does not initiate a conversation with you about how they are feeling, you should say something to them.

It is important to choose a suitable time when both you and the person are available to talk, as well as a private place where you both feel comfortable. Let the person know that you are concerned about them and are willing to help. Ask the person if they would like to talk to you about how they are feeling. Focus on how the person is feeling and the changes you have noticed rather than the possibility that the person might have depression. If the person says that they are feeling sad or down, you should ask them how long they have been feeling that way and if they have spoken to anyone else about how they are feeling.

Be prepared for the full range of reactions (e.g. relief, indifference, anger) when you approach the person. They may deny that they are experiencing changes in mood, behaviour or daily functioning. Remember, the person’s thoughts, feelings and beliefs represent their own reality and you should be prepared to accept these without question. You should respect how the person interprets their symptoms.

Some people who have recovered from depression may have a relapse of their symptoms. Don’t assume that the person knows nothing about depression as they, or someone else close to them, may have experienced depression before. However, even if the person has had a previous episode of depression, do not assume they will know how to manage the current episode.

You should know sources of good quality information. If you give the person information, it is important that you give them resources that are accurate and appropriate to their situation, e.g. consider the person’s literacy and ability to understand the information. Do not overwhelm the person with too much information or too many resources.

HOW DO I KNOW IF INFORMATION IS RELIABLE AND ACCURATE?

Ask the following questions to determine if a source of information is reliable:

• Is the author well-known and respected in the field of depression or mental health?
• Is the information from a credible institution, e.g. well-known and respected health clinic or organisation, government department, university-affiliated institution?
• How old is the information? (A good rule of thumb is to look for materials published in the last ten years.)
• Have the authors included a date? If not, you have no idea how old the information is.
• What is the website’s domain? Look for sites with .edu, .ac and .gov domains.
• Does it contain spelling errors or poor grammar? These indicate that the site may not be credible.
• Is it a blog, Facebook post, or self-authored site? These may not be reliable. Always verify information gleaned from these sources.

Next week, we will look at how you can be supportive.

Until then, keep your mental health, healthy.